Roundhill Launches "HALO" ETF

Why It Matters

HALO gives investors a defensively positioned alternative as AI reshapes markets, offering exposure to durable, low‑disruption assets that can mitigate volatility.

Key Takeaways

• Roundhill launches HALO ETF targeting AI‑immune heavy‑asset firms
• HALO stands for Heavy Assets Low Obsolescence, coined by Josh Brown
• Fund focuses on century‑old, low‑disruption companies like Barrick and Southern Copper
• Strategy aims to protect investors from rapid AI‑driven market volatility
• Launch follows Roundhill’s successful AI‑themed ETFs, expanding thematic offerings

Summary

Roundhill Investments announced the launch of a new exchange‑traded fund called HALO, designed to capture the performance of companies deemed resistant to artificial‑intelligence disruption. The acronym HALO—Heavy Assets Low Obsolescence—was originally coined by market commentator Josh Brown to describe firms whose core businesses rely on durable, capital‑intensive assets that are unlikely to be rendered obsolete by AI advances.

The ETF’s methodology screens for long‑standing, asset‑heavy enterprises with minimal exposure to rapid technological change. Holdings include miners such as Barrick Gold and Southern Copper, industrial players like Lennox International, and other century‑old businesses that generate cash flows from physical infrastructure rather than software. Roundhill’s CEO Dave Maza emphasized that these firms are “AI‑immune,” meaning large‑language models or generative AI are unlikely to erode their competitive moats.

Maza highlighted the strategic intent: investors can gain broad market exposure while avoiding the most volatile, AI‑disruptive names like Adobe or Salesforce. He referenced the firm’s prior thematic successes—its AI‑focused ETFs and the high‑performing DRAM fund—as proof points that Roundhill can translate niche ideas into investable products. The discussion also featured a nod to Josh Brown’s original HALO concept, underscoring the collaboration between thought leaders and product developers.

The HALO launch reflects a growing demand for defensive, theme‑based investment vehicles amid heightened uncertainty about AI’s impact on equity valuations. By offering a curated basket of low‑obsolescence assets, Roundhill aims to attract risk‑averse investors seeking stability without sacrificing exposure to the broader market, potentially setting a template for future “AI‑resistant” funds.

Original Description

Dave Mazza, CEO of Roundhill Investments, joins CNBC's "Halftime Report" to highlight the launch of their new "HALO" ETF coined by our very own Josh Brown. It stands for "Heavy Assets, Low Obsolescence. Josh weighs in on the launch.